Pedestrian Laws You Should Know

Pedestrian accidents usually occur when drivers aren’t paying attention. Cars can hurt people as easily as they can damage another car and, in some cases, cause critical or even fatal wounds if the vehicle is travelling fast enough upon impact.

When driving it is always smart to remember some basic rules of the road and to be mindful of pedestrians — whether you’re in a store parking lot or at a crosswalk at a major intersection.

Likewise, pedestrians also have to heed some common sense when out walking and crossing streets and parking lots. Drivers often have enough to deal with, such as other cars, stopping, proceeding forward and turning, and pedestrians can’t always rely on the notion that the car will stop as they attempt to cross the street.
The bottom line is that there are multiple levels of distractions that hit both drivers and pedestrians and whether to stop or go should always be part of the common sense of driving and walking.

Pedestrian laws everyone should know:

Walk on sidewalks or stay to the left hand side of the road

If there is no crosswalk, pedestrians must yield to drivers

Pedestrians don’t always have the right of way

A crosswalk does not allow pedestrians to walk through it at any time

You can still be in the crosswalk if the flashing ‘don’t walk’ signal comes on

As a pedestrian — while not the law — it is a good idea to turn the music down or take out one ear phone from your musical device so you can hear what’s going on around you. Also make sure to cross at lights and designated pedestrian crosswalks, using the button to cross and waiting for the right away.

A Fort Lauderdale personal injury attorney will be able to help you in the event of an accident, especially if the case involves a personal injury claim settlement. Whether walking or driving, always use your head and never rely on the other person to follow the rules of the road.